This project is aimed at funding the production of the monster suit that will be used in the film. When we reach our goal, Leading monster modeling and effects artist Keizo Murase will be in charge of the modeling for the main monster in the film.

Los Gatos Works is a newly formed studio which plans to bring its monster creation Nebula to life in its first independent film “Howl from beyond the fog” and create a new entry in the genre of monster movies.
This work will be directed by the founder of Los Gatos Works Daisuke Sato. Daisuke has worked in the field of monster modeling and effects since 2000, he currently still works in this field, as well as expanded to making video content for overseas companies along with creating internet media in his home country of Japan. Daisuke aims to make a film that will fully utilize his cultivated skills up to this point and present a quality that can be appreciated by modelers and fans of monster movies alike.

The environment and atmosphere of the film will be conveyed by expressing everything within the work as a model this includes the human element as well. People will be depicted using half sized puppets fitted with special make up technology that with help show expressions uniquely different from traditional puppet theater. The scale of the environmental models will fit seamlessly with the puppets.

The filmography and special effects of the film will be reminiscent of the “old school Japanese monster film” aesthetic. Nebula the four-legged monster will be designed as a wearable suit that an actor will wear and wreak havoc upon the modeled set. (miniatures)

懐かしくも新しい怪獣の創造を目指して

Recently both in domestic and foreign films, studios have replaced traditional rubber model suits with detailed CG. This is attributed to how the passage of time along with technological advancements have brought a dramatic change to the genre. The amount of detail and realism that CG brings is quite staggering, still I personally believe that there is a unmistakable perception that can only be realized using traditional rubber suits. Howl from beyond the fog plans to present that feeling to its fullest.

Keizo Murase, said to be a master of monster modeling, credited with building the foundation of monster modeling leading the effects and design of such Toho films like “Varan the Unbelievable” (1958) various Showa era Godzilla, Gamera, and Ultra series movies. In 1977 he was invited to work on “Goliathon” in Hong Kong. Not limited to monster creation alone, his ability to design stunts and special effects have captured the wonder of millions along with notable directors such as Quentin Tarantino.

The last monster Mr. Murase developed for film was the larva and adult form of Mothra for the 1993 movie “Godzilla vs Mothra”. Recently he has focused on developing costumes for theme park mascots and other attractions that require his modeling specialty. I personally asked Mr. Murase to use his talents to model Nebula, not only because of his amazing skills in this craft but, to also create a connection to the landmark monster films that had come before. He consented to working on this project and is looking forward to working with this production.

Still, Mr. Murase is a representative of the esteemed “Twenty” modeling company and his skills come at a premium. We have come to an agreement that producing Nebula will come to 800,000 Yen ($7144) which will closely cover the production fees. Anything over our initial goal will allow us to improve the overall quality of Nebula.

The finished Nebula suit will be utilized well beyond the shooting of the film. We plan to exhibit it at various future events so that supporters and fans of Monster films will be able to get up close and personal with Nebula. We plan to chronicle Mr. Murase’s intricate production process of Nebula by providing backers with consistent e-mail magazines and digital booklets.

『狭霧の國』という作品について

“Howl from beyond the fog” is set during the Meiji reformation era in a small village in Kyushu, Japan. The story revolves around a young boy named Izana and a blind woman named Takiri, the two encounter the large monster Nebula who since ancient times was feared as the god of lake Amenosagiri.

The film is planned to run for 45 minutes. The overall theme of the film will focus on the Japanese concept of light and darkness, as told by puppetry and model miniaturization of the films’ world. This in turn will all be destroyed through the course of the movie, as the focal point of a monster movie is displaying a sequence of the destruction of civilization through the rampage of a monster.

This work is heavily influenced by the short story by Ray Bradbury “The Fog Horn”. This story is credited as the influence behind the 1953 film “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms” which in turn inspired the first Godzilla movie (1954). It can also be considered a work that attributed to the birth of the monster movie genre. Using these influences a completely new story is born to follow in their massive footprints.

These movies were the first of their kind. The feelings the first monster films sparked within their audiences ranged from amazement, curiosity, and fear. A movie that expresses some of the same themes would be Daidei’s Daimajin.

In the summer of 2017 Mr. Murase and I attended the Japan Expo in France. Our purpose for attending was to not only introduce the concept of the film but, also gauge the European audience would receive a project like Howl from beyond the fog. The positive feedback we received from the guests who attended our panel really encouraged us to move forward. In this current day, we truly believe that this approach to crafting a new monster movie will leave a lasting impression in your heart.

勇魚や多紀理、そして村瀬継蔵氏が手掛ける怪獣ネブラの織り成すドラマを皆さんにお見せするのが今から楽しみです。

I am looking forward to showing you the dramatic tale of Izana, Takiri, and the legendary Keizo Murase’s handmade monster Nebula.

Rewards (English)

Pledge of 500 Yen or more

A letter of thanks to those who supported this endeavor

Those who pledge this amount will receive an e-mail of appreciation form the Director and Keizo Murase.

Pledge of 1500 Yen or more

The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog" PDF

Those who pledge this tier will receive a making of the movie booklet, in PDF form. We will send backers an e-mail containing the PDF showing the making of "Howl from beyond the Fog" page number is TBD). It will the in's and outs of the modeling process.

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

Pledge of 3000 Yen or more

Name in the end credits

This tier will have your name (real or desired nickname) placed in the end credits.

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

Pledge of 5000 Yen or more

Making of the Kaiju suit book (paper book estimated 100 pages or more)

A book that will be a step by step walkthrough of the process to create Nebula, as well as a commentary on the methods to create a monster reminiscent of the traditional Japanese style. This book will not only show how Nebula is made but also give detailed information on how to purchase and use the materials to make your own Kaiju! (western equivalents will also be listed)
In addition the book will include the techniques and processes needed to make monsters from the 1950's to the 1970's. This is a must have for those who wish to one day make their own Kaiju. As the director of this film I want this to be a tool that can help support those who wish to make their imagination a reality. There will be a version for both English and Japanese speakers.

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

・Name in the end credits

・Making of the Kaiju suit book (paper book estimated 100 pages or more)

Pledge of 6000 Yen or more

Physical DVD copy of "Howl from Beyond the Fog"

You will receive a DVD copy of the movie which will include a making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog" segment. (The DVD extras are subject to change before release)

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

・Name in the end credits

・Physical DVD copy of "Howl from Beyond the Fog"

Pledge of 10,000 Yen or more

Physical Blue Ray copy of "Howl from Beyond the Fog"

You will receive a Blue Ray copy of the movie, It will have the same features of the DVD except with improved picture quality

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

・Name in the end credits

・Physical Blue Ray of "Howl from Beyond the Fog"

Pledge of 50,000 Yen or more

"19" inch figure of Nebula with development supervised by Keizo Murase.

Backers at this tier will receive a "19" inch figure of "Howl from Beyond the Fog's" main monster, made of flexible polyurethane. The development of the figure will be overseen by Keizo Murase.

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

・Name in the end credits

・Making of the Kaiju suit book (paper book estimated 100 pages or more)

・Physical DVD copy of "Howl from Beyond the Fog" or Physical Blue Ray of "Howl from Beyond the Fog"

・"19" Inch Figure of Nebula, supervised by Keizo Murase

Pledge of 300,000 Yen or more

A functional Costume sized head of Nebula, creation supervised by Keizo Murase.

Backers at this tier will receive a replica head made of soft urethane. The head will be the same size of the one used for Nebula's costume. It's development will be supervised by Keizo Murase.

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

・Name in the end credits

・Making of the Kaiju suit book (paper book estimated 100 pages or more)

・Physical DVD copy of "Howl from Beyond the Fog" or Physical Blue Ray of "Howl from Beyond the Fog"

・"19" Inch Figure of Nebula, supervised by Keizo Murase

・Costume sized head of Nebula, supervised by Keizo Murase

Pledge of 500,000 Yen or more

Film Screening and invitation to the movie wrap party.

Backers at this tier will receive and invitation to a special screening of "Howl from Beyond the Fog" as well as wrap party. The event is scheduled to be held in Tokyo. Backers will also receive all of the earlier mentioned rewards.

・A letter of thanks of all who supported this endeavor

・The making of "Howl from Beyond the Fog PDF

・Name in the end credits

・Making of the Kaiju suit book (paper book estimated 100 pages or more)

・Physical DVD copy of "Howl from Beyond the Fog" or Physical Blue Ray of "Howl from Beyond the Fog"

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge ¥5,000 or more
About US$ 45

Making of the Kaiju suit book

Making of the Kaiju suit book (paper book estimated 100 pages or more)

A book that will be a step by step walkthrough of the process to create Nebula, as well as a commentary on the methods to create a monster reminiscent of the traditional Japanese style. This book will not only show how Nebula is made but also give detailed information on how to purchase and use the materials to make your own Kaiju! (western equivalents will also be listed)
In addition the book will include the techniques and processes needed to make monsters from the 1950's to the 1970's. This is a must have for those who wish to one day make their own Kaiju. As the director of this film I want this to be a tool that can help support those who wish to make their imagination a reality. There will be a version for both English and Japanese speakers.